MAITLAND + MORPETH
- WCP Media
- Sep 29, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Jun 25, 2025
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IN THIS ISSUE
All Grown Up: Australia's Biggest Little Fringe Comes of Age
As Newcastle Fringe Festival rolls into its second decade, something has quietly shifted. This is no longer a homegrown, determined start-up proving its worth. Nor is it a novelty on the cultural calendar. Newcastle Fringe has grown up, and in doing so, it has become something rarer and more powerful: a festival the city can genuinely claim as its own.
Happily Ever After…WITH BRITNEY SPEARS
Hunter Drama is set to start its 2026 season with a bang and a whole lot of glitter. Once Upon A One More Time brings together rebellious princesses, girl-power storytelling, and the irresistible hits of pop superstar Britney Spears for a night of theatrical fun at the Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle, from 9–19 April.
Art Under Pressure: Dani Marti's Fallen Comes to Cessnock
Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) has kicked off its 2026 season in spectacular style, with a stunning new exhibition by internationally recognised local artist Dani Marti now open to the public and running until 18 April.
The Gum Ball Music & Arts Festival 2026 Returns for 21st Birthday Bash
The Gum Ball Music & Arts Festival is back to celebrate its 21st birthday! Returning to Dashville over the long weekend, Friday 24 – Sunday 26 April 2026, following last year's 20th anniversary which made history as the biggest festival ever held at Dashville as a bumper crowd of music lovers descended on the Lower Belford site, proving that The Gum Ball has well and truly become a cultural institution for regional NSW.
Dinosaurs, Dragons & Easter Magic
A long time ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, the Hunter Valley was a land of volcanoes and untamed wilderness. Every Easter school holidays, Hunter Valley Gardens brings that ancient world back to life with its annual Mega Creatures event. And in 2026, the adventure takes a whole new level.
Lights Up. Scripts Down. One Act Play Festival returns in 2026!
Entering its fourth year, the Lake Macquarie One Act Play Festival has evolved into a vibrant celebration of fresh storytelling, with playwrights contributing new work from across Lake Macquarie and the wider Hunter region, as well as America, New Zealand and beyond - all competing for a share of the $1,900 prize pool.
Newcastle Just Got EVEN MORE Rock and Roll
Newcastle has well and truly cemented its reputation as Australia's premier regional live music destination, with Guns N' Roses officially announced to play McDonald Jones Stadium on December 8, 2026.
Cool Times Ahead at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium
Hunter Ice Skating Stadium is more than just a rink. It's a community hub where families, friends, and sports fans come together. From the heart-pounding excitement of Australian Ice Hockey League games to the joy of birthday celebrations and the fun of public skating activities, there's something for everyone at HISS!
Celebrating 50 Years of Rose Tattoo
On their 50th and final year, Rose Tattoo take to the stage in Newcastle for the last time celebrating 50 years of Australia’s finest Rock N’ Roll, joined by The Tatts, Choirboys, Nick Barker & The Reptiles will make a rare appearance and new Gold Coast upstarts Disgraceland.
Broadway's Finest Head to Newcastle
Three of Australia’s brightest musical theatre stars are bringing the best of Broadway and the West End to Newcastle’s Civic Theatre this March. Presented by Stoddart Entertainment Group, Superstars: Musical Theatre’s Greatest Heroes & Villains in Concert promises an unforgettable evening celebrating the iconic characters that have captivated audiences for generations.
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